Police officer thinking of changing careers

Milby,
The use of the trucking industry as a side job is strictly about finances. What company will pay you a comparable pension after so little time as a public employer will? Overtime pay, side jobs, salary and benefit package etc. If the police job isn't working for you financially then pm me and I can give you some low $$ business start up suggestions to make things better for you and your family. If this is about job dissatisfaction that is another issue but I would be willing to talk to you on the side and point you in the right direction if need be. I currently run our patrol division where I work and there are alot more positives in this job than there are negatives. It is a matter of sorting through some of the unpleasant b.s. and staying focused.
As far as trucking goes, there is money to be made for sure, it may be very satisfying but as time goes on the "toys for big boys" thing will wear out and you will be looking back at what you have done and whether or not that had a negative impact on the family that you are responsible for helping. Best of luck in your decision, but touch your toes to the water before you jump in. You could look for help wanted ads or try a driving school and get the class A cdl and go from there. There is always work if you look for it. Stay Safe Bro.

 

Hell yeah! Officer, go for it. Sounds like the kids are grown up. Find a company that allows your spouse to ride along.

Yes, the job can be frustrating with shippers and receivers and dispatchers etc. But I love to drive and travel and enjoy the scenery. Come on drivers; we get to listen to the radio, travel, drive big equipment and get paid for it; it doesn't get any better than that; at least for me..7yrs now..Love it.

 

I too spent a lot of time wondering if I was making the right decision and how it would affect my family. Should you go for it that is a question only you can answer. I would think as a police officer you see the ugly side of life and death. Most people don't understand what it is like to see death on a regular basis.

To hear the sounds a dying person makes when you are trying to force air into their lungs I know as a health care worker when I see a soul that has made its final exit I wonder what was that person thinking when they woke up today? What was their biggest worry? Did they fulfill all there life hopes ?Did they make every minute count or did they waste it away thinking of what they should of done?

We get so wrapped up in the small and big things in life sometimes we fail to see the whole picture. Life is not a dress rehearsal if there is something you heart says you should be doing then I would think that is where you should be. That is how I got from where I was to where I am going.Sorry to be so heavy but that is just my two cents and it is what motivates me Good Luck on your decision

 

Can I suggest something before you quit being a Police Officer? Sorry, here it is anyway...LOL...Please do not quit your job but take some vacation time, or leave of absence and go with a Driver, see what it is like, and I suggest this happen for at least three to four weeks straight. Go to truck stops, talk to who ever you can and learn all there is to know of all the inn's and outs. You will be glad you did. I feel for you being stuck at your job you do not like. I loved what I use to do, as a Mortgage Loan Consultant it was an enjoyable job, 29 yrs. of it. I had to change jobs, no choice here, you do not have a dieing job, it is your choice. What are the ages of your children if any? Your income starting out will only be about 4-500 dollars per week also, and that is going to be driving you rear off. Check out how many of us rooks make it, how many quit within the first 90 days or less. Half my school did not make it, they quit. Keep reading, and posting, make sure this is really your passion, I am just sorry to say its a passion that is not what you or even I thought it to be. I hope I have helped you, I mean nothing by what I am saying, I just telling you like it is. Your not going to like waking up to use the men's room first thing in the morning and stepping out of your truck onto a bag of sh.. someone through out their window the night before on the ground either, just things to look for with your consideration. Look hard, pray hard, and I wish you the best.
Semper Fi,
Just Bob

 

Daytona, I had to cherp in here and give you my two cents on your comment. I agree with what your saying. I like how you brought another perspective on the table. He will have to weigh it all out. Your thoughts left me with something also. This Police Officer has the opportunity to be the last person to help and be with the person leaving this world. That is quite an honor if one can handle this type part of life. Your comments are very well thought out, thanks for allowing my two cents as well.
Semperfi, Just Bob

 

Weird thing is, I have been sniffing around law enforcement as my next step or next alternative to corporate pogue he11 once I get the family moved to the east coast. For right now, I cant look back. My responsibility is to get food on the table and keep a roof over the family's head. The company I chose (TMC) will give me the best opportunity to do that for the next two years while I figure the second half of my life out.

If I should choose law enforcement to complete my working career, I know I'm going to have to deal with seeing death again. I'm not too comfortable with that idea. I salute you guys and girls who drive those cruisers every day and have to deal with death and horrific crashes, child abuse, and so on. Thats worse than the Corps.

 

Just to let you know that I am going through the same thing as you are.... I also have been in law enforcement for the past six years and finally had to make a judgement call. I recently was bitten by a prisoner that was bleeding at the mouth and he had broke my skin. Not only was I now at risk for whatever he may have, EX. HIV, hepatitus, etc.etc., but I was also taking that home to my wife and three kids. I am 35 yrs old and after going through this ordeal, I made up my mind to change careers. By the way, after getting a search warrant for this guys blood, I finally was at ease that he in fact had nothing that I could have caught... I realize that it is part of the job, but, I also have a choice in whether to continue or not with this career. I just graduated from C-1 truck driving school and should start my new career this up coming week. Just only the couple of weeks of driving while at school, I was uterly amazed how four wheelers cut you off and pull out in front of you on the road. I just thought that I could drive before, but I have a new respect for all Truck drivers. Whatever decision you make, make with your family, because you will need the support of them in order to succeed....

 

Milby, I am thinking the same thing. I have been in law enforcement for 13 years. I am TIRED! I am ready for a change. I also have a wife and 3 kids. My wife has to sister and their husbands are in the ARMY and as much as they are gone I really can't complain about not being home. I have a buddy from the dept already in trucking driving school. I have been keeping in touch with him. If you want I will pass on all the info I get from him? Have you been looking into any trucking companies? I have been checking out STEVENS that is where my buddy went. Let me know what you plan on doing, we can share are info. And keep surfing this site. There is alot of information from these guys and gals. Take Care and be safe, VETTE

 

Wow, I thought I was the only one. I have also been a cop for 13 years. I am DONE. Patrol for all 13. I may regret the decision to get into trucking but I may not. I know that I will never know for sure unless I try it. Heck, police officers may be one of the only shortages that can rival truckers. They need cops everywhere. If it doesn't work out we can always get back in the game. But for now, I am excited to start my new career. I wish you guys luck.

 

I work the Surveillance room at a major strip property in Las Vegas. About once a day our Security guys have to take someone into our holding room and have the Police come out and take them into custody. It is almost always someone who is tweaked out or coked out or just drunk beyond belief. And they are always innocent and scream the same crap over and over and over and over... Man everyday I wonder how anyone can put up with the dregs of society day in and day out. I truly have a respect for what officer's go through , and I also can see why so many would want to get out.